Dr. Emma Heydari Ulrich – Nephrologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Emma Heydari Ulrich is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at a specialized nephrology clinic in Edmonton, AB, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive kidney care within the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment. Dr. Ulrich's role focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers a welcoming environment for a wide range of kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.

She completed her medical education with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta in 2013. Following medical school, she undertook a residency in Internal Medicine, then specialized further with fellowship training in Nephrology. With over 6 years of specialized experience since 2018, she has established herself as a knowledgeable and compassionate nephrologist. Dr. Ulrich has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds all necessary certifications to practice in Alberta, including certification by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Her professional philosophy centers on preserving kidney function and improving the quality of life for her patients. She is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health and empowering them in shared decision-making. Utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced therapies, she aims for optimal patient outcomes through early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. Dr. Ulrich collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic, patient-centered care. All communication and care are provided in English, with a focus on compassionate and respectful treatment in Edmonton.

Dr. Emma Ulrich provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Dr. Ulrich addresses a progressive loss of kidney function over months or years, affecting the body's ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance.

• Mineral and Bone Disorder of CKD (CKD-MBD): Aims to prevent fractures and cardiovascular complications.
• Early Stages of CKD (Stages 1-3): Regular monitoring to track kidney function and progression.
• Advanced CKD (Stages 4-5, Non-Dialysis): Discussions about dialysis options and kidney transplantation.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Dr. Ulrich addresses causes kidneys to lose their filtering ability, leading to a build-up of waste products and fluid imbalance.

• Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Risk factors include pre-existing CKD, diabetes, and dehydration.
• Pre-renal AKI: Caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, often due to severe dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, or sepsis.
• Post-renal AKI: Treatment involves relieving the obstruction to allow normal urine flow.

Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders

Dr. Ulrich addresses nephrologists are experts in diagnosing and treating complex cases.

• Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.
• Disorders of Sodium and Water Balance (Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia): Common in hospitalized patients and those with kidney, heart, or liver disease.
• Disorders of Potassium Balance (Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Potentially life-threatening if severe.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Emma Ulrich is necessary.

• Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Regular monitoring of dialysis adequacy, nutritional status, and management of related complications.
• Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease using iron therapy and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
• Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy): Specialized care for kidney complications arising from diabetes, aiming to prevent or delay progression to kidney failure.
• Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Evaluation and planning for optimal long-term dialysis access, including arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), grafts (AVG), and peritoneal dialysis catheters.
• Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Diagnosis and treatment of complex imbalances in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and acid-base status.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management: Ongoing care for patients with all stages of chronic kidney disease, focusing on slowing progression and managing complications.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Ulrich.

All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. A referral from a physician or another specialist is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Ulrich practices primarily at a specialized nephrology clinic located in Edmonton's S Central neighbourhood, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park. The clinic is conveniently situated within easy reach of public transportation options, including Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) LRT and bus routes. Patients will find the clinic accessible and comfortable, designed to provide a professional environment for comprehensive kidney care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, making it easy for patients to access the facility for their appointments. The clinic's central location offers a welcoming and efficient setting for all nephrology needs, with a focus on patient-centered service and long-term kidney health management.

When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Ulrich?

You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Ulrich if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, have significant risk factors (like diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension with signs of kidney impact), or experience symptoms such as persistent swelling, changes in urination, blood or protein in urine, or unexplained fatigue that your family doctor suspects is kidney-related. A referral from your primary care physician or another specialist is typically required.

Are services from Dr. Ulrich covered by provincial health insurance?

Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Ulrich is covered under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This includes appointments, prescribed kidney function tests, management of dialysis, and care before and after a kidney transplant. Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and medical care related to kidney transplantation are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Ulrich's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.

What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Ulrich and a Urologist?

A Nephrologist like Dr. Ulrich is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases that affect kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, dialysis, and medical aspects of kidney transplantation. Urologists are surgical specialists who treat anatomical or structural problems of the kidneys and urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones requiring surgery, bladder issues, prostate problems, cancers of the kidney/bladder/prostate). While both deal with kidneys, Nephrologists manage kidney function and disease medically, whereas Urologists manage surgically and address urinary tract structures.

What is involved in the kidney transplant process with a Nephrologist like Dr. Ulrich?

As a Nephrologist, Dr. Ulrich plays a crucial role in the kidney transplant process. This includes evaluating your suitability for a transplant, managing your health while on the waiting list, coordinating with the transplant surgical team, and providing comprehensive medical care after the transplant to manage immunosuppressive medications and monitor for complications or rejection. She works as part of a multidisciplinary transplant team.

What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Ulrich specialize in?

A Nephrologist, such as Dr. Ulrich, is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. This includes managing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), hypertension (high blood pressure), electrolyte imbalances, and providing care for patients requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. a Nephrologist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.

How does Dr. Ulrich help manage high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Dr. Ulrich, as a Nephrologist, has expertise in managing hypertension, especially if it's severe, resistant to standard treatments, or caused by kidney disease. She can investigate underlying causes, optimize medication regimens, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes to effectively control blood pressure, which is crucial for protecting kidney health and overall cardiovascular well-being.

What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Ulrich might discuss?

If your kidney function declines significantly, Dr. Ulrich may discuss renal replacement therapies, primarily hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves filtering your blood using an external machine, usually at a dialysis center (or sometimes at home). Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) and a special solution to filter blood inside your body, and is typically done at home. Dr. Ulrich will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle and medical condition.

a specialized nephrology clinic in Edmonton
8440 112 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Office Phone: (780) 407-8822

Dr. Ulrich is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Ulrich, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Ulrich's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=3e6f84dd-fb41-4c77-b245-cfff8876f04f&i=1473